Joe Blackburn

Joe Blackburn and his wife Eileen Buholtz reside in a large beautiful home in the city of Rochester with their much-loved pets. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and is the organist at The George Eastman Museum. With a background as a piano teacher, an opera coach, and a musical theater conductor, Joe has been Honeoye Falls UMC Music Director for over 25 years. He is part of the team that selects appropriate music for all our church’s services in a music style known as blended. This includes Hymns and special music from contemporary to traditional.

He loves playing our Johnson and Son 1893 tracker action pipe organ and he oversees its maintenance so it remains a vital asset of our church and he plays our grand piano when our lead pianist, Gary Albright is out of town. Joe also conducts our Bell Choir, recently upgraded to three octaves of Schulmerich bells and now is inviting new volunteers to play them. Please email or phone Joe if you would like more information on joining the Bell Choir.